The daughter of Silas Earl and Hester Viola (Robinson) Swearingen, she was born September 20, 1928 in Rutledge, MO. On October 9, 1946 in Edina, MO she was united in marriage to Robert Hettinger who preceded her in death on March 31, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Earl Swearingen in 1994 and a granddaughter, Shana Hunolt in 1991.

Betty is survived by two sons, Bobby and Brenda Hettinger and Brent and Shirlene Hettinger and their children, Josh and Sarah Hettinger, Travis and Julie Hettinger and Kaden, Kayla Hettinger and friend Tyler Kenney; two daughters, Joyce Treutel and her children, Stephanie Hunolt, Amy Hunolt and children, Marcus Jefferson and Tyrell and Issai Dysart, and Allison and Austin Treutel; JoAnn and Dusty Wheeler and children, Sarah (Wheeler) and Matt Boland and Seth Wheeler; one brother, Ivan Leroy Swearingen and wife Marion; sister-in-law, Lydia Swearingen and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was a graduate from Rutledge School in 1946 where she was valedictorian of her class. She was a teacher for one year and raised dogs for 35 years.

She enjoyed crocheting and spending time with family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (January 5, 2013) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Reverend Darrell Draper officiating. Burial will be in Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.